Fig. Down-regulation of IRF3 attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in CCI rats. (A) The mRNA expression level of IRF3 in the DRG at postoperative day 7. (B) The protein expression level of IRF3 in the DRG at postoperative day 7. (C and D) PWT and PWL were measured 1 day before CCI and 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after intrathecal injection of sh-IRF3 or scramble.

Down-regulation of IRF3 inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the DRG of CCI rats.

These results indicated that IRF3 was involved in the development of neuropathic pain. Down-regulation of IRF3 attenuated neuropathic pain in CCI rats by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting that IRF3 may be a novel and potential target for the treatment of neuropathic pain.